ESPN NBA 2Night

Over the years, basketball games have proven to be a lot like first dates: usually fun, but rarely--if ever--satisfying. Konami's most recent hoops attempt is certainly competent, but on a platform which lays claim to three of the finest polygonal renditions of the sport ever created, there is simply not room for mere competence.

From the initial loading screen to the end-game celebrations, ESPN NBA 2Night is rough around the edges. Navigating through the various menus is a headache-inducing endeavor, and in-game grpahical bells and whistles are kept to a minimum. Player models are inconsistent at best, low-resolution textures and sloppy construction make for unconvincing close-ups. Animation is spotty as well, with altogether too many awkward movements and jerky collisions. Rebounding is not realized very well, and the passing game is flawed.

That said, there are certain areas in which 2Night excels. Mid-move translations, in particular, are executed with surprising grace and fluidity, and the "fake" button allows for some subtle hesitation and ill-nasty breaks. The ball has a nice weight to it, and netting a triple feels (and looks) quite accurate. Playing this game is not unenjoyable.

Stuart Scott provides mildly entertaining commentary and it's got the requisite play modes but, at the end of the day, 2Night simply falls a bit flat. It's a huge leap past the original Dreamcast version, but this simply can't compete with the true ballers.